How to Change a Photocell Disconnected From a Lamp Post

A photocell is an electrical device that senses light levels. When the sun rises, the photocell shuts off an exterior light. When the sun goes down, the photocell senses the change in light levels and turns on an exterior light. Some photocells are built into a light fixture, while others are fitted to the fixture after the light has been installed. To change a photocell that has disconnected from a lamp, you'll only need a few tools.

Wire cutters
Wire strippers
Screwdriver
Wire nuts

Instructions

- 1
  Switch off the breaker powering the exterior light on the main circuit breaker panel in the laundry room, garage or basement.
- 2
  Pull the old dangling photocell with one hand to make the wires taut. Cut the wires with wire cutters and discard the old photocell.
- 3
  Strip the ends of the wires extending from the lamp post using wire strippers. Take off about one to two inches of insulation.
- 4
  Hold the new photocell near the lamp post and braid the wires together between the exterior light and new photocell. Be sure to connect like-colored wires to avoid an electrical fire. Consult the photocell manufacturer's installation instructions for specifics.
- 5
  Twist wire nuts over the braided wires to keep the connection together.
- 6
  Fasten the new photocell to the lamp post using a screwdriver to drive screws into the mounting bracket. This will depend on the make and model of both the exterior light as well as the replacement photocell.

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